Category: Mystery

An Interview With Anastasia Pollack of the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery Series by Lois Winston Tell us a little bit about yourself: Some people crave the spotlight. Me? I’m a private person who would prefer to live a quiet middle-class life on my quiet middle-class street in a quiet middle-class suburban New Jersey town. My …

Researching for Authenticity in Historical Fiction by D.J. Niko Researching historical fiction and thrillers with historical themes is a little like going down the rabbit hole: you have to enter another world and come out, sweating and panting, on the other side before you can actually get it. When you research and write about the …

HOW I WRITE MYSTERIES by Sandra Robson When I start writing a new book, I begin with a blank piece of poster board and a strong sense of place. A three-story, desolate-looking house in Newport, Rhode Island, an ancient white stucco church in New Mexico, a London street in relentless rain—the aura of an intriguing …

Sometimes a Bad Day Turns Into a Good Day, Especially If There’s Gin by Margaret Fenton 2007 was a great year. I went to Killer Nashville in August. I paid a lot of extra dollars and was given the opportunity to pitch my unpublished manuscript to either an agent or a representative from Oceanview Publishing. …

How I Chose My Imaginary Best Friend by Carolyn Mulford When I write my Show Me mysteries, I spend many more hours with my characters than with anyone else. I choose them carefully, for they have to entertain me through a series. Unlike some writers, I don’t write about people I know. I prefer creating …

A Detecting Book Group by Maggie King Hazel Rose is back in a new adventure, Murder at the Moonshine Inn. After that harrowing confrontation with the killer in Murder at the Book Group, she vowed to leave investigating to the pros. And for eight years she kept her word. Easy because people didn’t clamor for …

Jersey and Mystery, Perfect Together by Lois Winston I’m a Jersey Girl, but for many years I denied my heritage. When asked where I was from, I would say New York. Technically, I hail from what’s called the New York Metro area, but I would conveniently omit the “Metro” part. Why? Because of all the put-downs …

“Far-Flung Family Ties” by Nancy J. Cohen As we approach the holidays, we begin planning our family celebrations. These may not always be the joyous occasions we’d like. Disagreements, envy, cultural gaps with married partners, and secrets can keep families apart. In PERIL BY PONYTAIL, my recent release and #12 in the Bad Hair Day …

The Evolution of a Bad Guy By Maggie Toussaint When I began plotting my second paranormal mystery, Bubba Done It, I knew one thing for sure. All the suspects had the nickname of Bubba. Other than that, I didn’t have a clue. Before I could cast men in the suspect roles, I considered my setting …

An Interview with Jaden Terrell – Jared McKean Mystery Series Author DHG: You write a very character-driven series…tell us something about it? JT: The seeds of the character—Jared McKean—were sown during the opening scenes of Saving Private Ryan. I watched those young men being cut to pieces, the surf turning red, and …

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Our Readers Say …

A Real Whodunit

"Headlines scream: "University of Michigan Co-ed Murdered" and the intrigue and mystery begin. Maze in Blue is a real whodunit and will keep readers guessing until the final pages. - Joyce Norman, Chalet Publishers, LLC

Easy-to-read, Enjoyable, Suspenseful – who is the kikenhai (dangerous tile)

"Should Have Played Poker has a fast-paced plot with short chapters, enjoyable characters and an abundance of red herrings. It touches on issues of aging, family ties, corporate responsibility, and religious tolerance, and culminates in a surprise ending that makes Carrie question most everything she has ever believed in." - Sharon Marchisello - Killer Nashville Book of the Day

As Much a Legal Thriller as a Family Drama – King River Life Magazine

"There are numerous plot threads being woven into this relatively short mystery, and yet all are neatly tied together by its stunning conclusion. ... While the investigations remain the main focus driving the novel, added elements of romance and humor only enhance this thoroughly entertaining novel. Carrie is a very sympathetic character, and despite her traumas she allows herself moments of playfulness and joy. As much a legal thriller as a family drama, readers will find much to enjoy in this new series." - Cynthia Chow - Kings River Life Magazine

A Whodunit and a Self-Discovery Mystery – Writers Who Kill

"Should Have Played Poker is a whodunit, but it is also a self-discovery mystery." E.B. Davis - Writers Who Kill

Enjoyable Story – Terrific Read – Dru’s Book Musings

"This was a very enjoyable story. ... smoothly paced with enough action to keep me delving into all aspects of this intriguing mystery that I could not put down until I knew who the killer was. ... With a loveable cast of characters, good dialogue and a feel good atmosphere, this was a terrific read and I hope there are more stories with Carrie and her friends." Dru Ann Love - Dru's book musings

Page-turning Whodunit

"Pure, page-turning whodunit from the first page to the last" - Mobile Press Register

A Real Winner

"A real winner. Characters leap off the page." - Jean Felts

Should Have Played Poker – Foreward Reviews

This charming mystery novel says those who are always around you make the truest kind of family.